Flagrant foul: party foods that flop at March Madness parties.
Three point play: party foods that are easy to make, taste great and please even the pickiest fan.
Rebound: with my Hot Reuben Dip.
Half court defense and offensive: soften cream cheese on the counter for about 30 minutes. Shred swiss cheese (or open bag of preshredded). Drain and pat sauerkraut. Measure dressing. Slice/chop deli corned beef. Stir everything in a bowl. Place in baking dish. Cook. Serve.
Now. Enjoy. Avoid ...

One of the first things I do every morning while drinking that first cup of coffee is get the Word of the Day on my phone.
I suppose you could call me a wordie.
At least you’d be using a real word. Wordie is now one of the 850 new words Merriam-Webster added to their dictionary Monday.
This is exciting news for me. I am intrigued by words. I love learning new words. It’s this curiosity about words that I feel contributes to my vibrancy as I age. I consider words brain-boosting fuel.
I ...

Flexibility and always having a backup plan help keep me healthy and vibrant. Less stressed and sane, too.
Today was filled with project deadlines, invoices, and prepping for tomorrow's TV segment. And taking a shortened power walk in the cold (23 minutes). Time was tight and my to-do list was long. I knew getting my preferred #6 post up (Curiosity Part 1: Words or Spicy Shoes and Boots Part 1) was probably not going to happen. So at about 4 pm I started creating that backup plan in the back of ...

Of course you’ll find the usual suspects in my pantry – foods you’d expect ANY dietitian to keep on hand. Like canned fruits, vegetables, beans, tuna, salmon, whole-wheat pasta and whole-grain cereal.
But are you ready for some eye-opening revelations? Because certain foods are a pantry necessity in my balanced book of eating and enjoyment. They must always be on-hand for fast, easy and healthy meals and snacks.
Sloppy Joe Sauce.
What could be faster than opening a can of sloppy joe ...

Frances McDormand won Best Actress last night at the Academy Awards and I am thrilled.
She’s my age, sixty. And ever since 1996 when I saw her in “Fargo,” I’ve admired and respected her. She represents everything admirable about aging: strength, power, uniqueness, courage, self-respect, accomplishment, grace and dignity. She embraces getting older rather than dreading it and constantly trying to “look younger.” I’ve read this in numerous online articles about her.
Those are all aging ...

Today is National Pound Cake Day.
Pound cake is made with three of my all-time favorite food ingredients: Flour. Sugar. Butter.
Pound cake is tied with brownies for my #1 favorite dessert. Brownies have flour, sugar and butter, too, plus chocolate.
Pound cake is the perfect food for explaining my overriding food philosophy. This philosophy and attitude about food and eating has helped me stay healthy and vibrant.
*Nothing is “bad.” As in “Oh, that is so bad for me.” “Sugar is so ...

Use the good towels.
I do. Because I think I’m worth it. And feeling worthy is one of many ways I’ve stayed vibrant.
I know too many people from my past who “save the good towels for company.” Or don’t use the better dishes, better coffee cups, better pillow, sheets, you name it….and only use these things for “others.”
Well, I happen to think I’m personally just as deserving. No deprivation for me. Life is too short, and you just might not get around to enjoying all those nice things you ...

Prior Planning Prevents...
Overeating. Too many calories. Potential weight gain. Unhealthy lifestyle.
I think the Army created the original saying “prior planning prevents piss poor performance,” but my version has served me well over the years.
My version is to invest minimal time in planning and consciously thinking about food choices and balanced eating. This takes maybe a couple minutes max.
But I receive big dividends and gains through better health and well-being by putting ...

More Activity.
The number one reason I think I’ve aged vibrantly? Because I move more and make being physically active part of my lifestyle.
More physical activity helps me sleep better, have a more positive daily mindset, controls my blood pressure and cholesterol. Allows me to have more stamina and energy daily. Helps prevent injuries and falls – or speeds healing when I do fall or get injured. Activity and movement just keeps me healthier overall. And sure, it contributes to maintaining ...